Vision Maker Media Brings 20 Native Filmmakers Together for Training

Group photo with filmmakers and Vision Maker Media staff at the 2015 Filmmaker Training in Lincoln, Neb.

Published August 26, 2015

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA—Twenty Native filmmakers from across the country converged on Lincoln, Nebraska to discuss their film projects and to learn how to increase their reach and engagement with social media and digital opportunities.

PBS and NET producers, directors and videographers joined Amanda Clinton, director of Communications for Cherokee Nation Businesses and Johnnie Jae Morris of Native Max Magazine to share their experience with producing and promoting films. Both filmmakers funded by Vision Maker Media and others interested in learning from other filmmakers came together.

Keynote speaker Keith Fix, marketing and technology consultant for blabfeed, an economic development corporation wholly owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, provided insight on how filmmakers can take advantage of marketing, advertising, online advertising and social media management.

Don Chalmers, president of SparrowHawk Consulting, presented information about funding for independent documentaries in and out of Indian Country. Walter G. Lehmann, managing partner of the entertainment law firm, Lehmann PLC provided insight in copyright and fair use for filmmakers. Pam Aguilar, director of programming and development at PBS, discussed what it takes to produce a successful documentary for PBS Plus and NPS.